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Lmc1310's avatar
Lmc1310
Member
9 years ago

Delay in treatment.

I have finished 4 x AC and due to commence 12 x weekly paclitaxel and herceptin tomorrow. I am extremely disappointed and concerned that paclitaxel has now been postponed for three weeks at least. I had severe pain in left flank and intermittent pain in left colon last Friday so went to gp who sent me for a ct scan. Ct scan showed 4cm thickening of bowel and report recommended a colongram to rule out neoplastic xxxx (forget but means tumour). Yikes. To cut a long story short my Oncologist's secretary rang just now and said heceptin only for now and I have to wait three weeks for another ct scan - apparently the concern is chemo may upset the colon more as could a colonogram. I just cried and cried especially as I've had no pain since last Friday. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm anxious for two reasons: 1. Do I now have colon cancer? 2. I had a 2b grade 3 Her2 tumour plus 2 nodes and chance of recurrence is real. I just want to get treatment over and this will delay radio and end of treatment. When my poor husband and close friend told me to continue to stay positive I nearly exploded. it's the waiting and the unknown when my life is already in limbo that is unbearable. This delay also means longer off work. I was hoping to be back by term 4. (I am a high school teacher and the round trip drive is around 2.15 hours on a good day so better for me and school to take time off). I really miss my students and my old life. I know I'll feel better in a day or two but right now I'm over it all to say the least. Trying to focus on at least having herceptin at long last!! Sorry for the rant everyone. Xo

9 Replies

  • Hulos's avatar
    Hulos
    Member
    9 years ago
    Good to hear you have the results and can now put that behind you.
    I had neck pain in thecearky days(same side as BC) and i was so worried that I saw my specialist,  I guess in our case any pain can become a concern. ..when really not.
    I was told to take nurofen every 4 hrs and come back  if not gone in 4-5 days. I put it down to tension,  how could one not be under these conditions. 
    Take care, best wishes. .:):):)
  • Butterfly_40's avatar
    Butterfly_40
    Member
    9 years ago
    @Lmc1310 I am so happy for you that your colon issues has settled and you are back to your old self. We all have the very down moment, but we get through it. Good luck with your treatment! Sending you a big hug! Xxx
  • Lmc1310's avatar
    Lmc1310
    Member
    9 years ago
    Can't believe I'm actually relieved to be having first taxol at last. Luckily issues with colon was inflammation and righted itself. Nurses are brilliant so I'm feeling very blessed this morning. Primek Tx for your kind words and I was able to relax and back to my old self. 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Glad you are feeling more positive today. Hope you plan something really nice to do this week just for you. Kath x
  • Lmc1310's avatar
    Lmc1310
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thank you so much Zoffiel, fairy dust, melclarity and primek.Your reassuring words and really helpful advice brought me great comfort last night. I slept really well and I am excited to have my first infusion of 'pure gold' this morning. Thank you for taking the time to respond I am so grateful. Hugs to you all.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Gosh how stressful but yes taxol really upsets the bowel so they are being wise and ensuring you are appropriately investigated. But ...remember you are getting the pure gold "herceptin" treatment which will stop that her2 in its tracks from growing any further.

    We all get the longing for your old life. But honestly honey...you need to take this time for you...once healed you can reclaim your life.

    Hoping all goes smoothly and treatment plan gets back on track quickly. Kath x
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    @Lmc1310 It always seems way too much to deal with at once, it sucks!!! Thing is we totally get it and we have all been through hell in different ways. I hate it when people say be positive 'GET LOST' has nothing to do with being positive. As long as you are allowed space to deal with everything in your time and your way. So it means ranting, screaming, crying and then you'll have calm as you say in a few days. Doesnt mean youre not positive it means its hard right now and you are HUMAN!!! So I think youre doing great!!! Deep breath and one thing at a time is the only thing thats got me through the past 6yrs. Im in Education too and I know what you mean, 2015 I lost all of Term 4 due to Chemo was so ill! I resumed back at my previous school Jan 2016 but only worked the entire year on 3 days and income protection, I cant manage more than that plus its an Autism Specific school. I only worked 4 weeks this year and have had surgery 5 weeks ago Mastectomy/Diep Flap Recon LOL I actually don't care anymore. I do miss my kids absolutely, but I learnt to put me above work and I ve been different for it...its on my terms now. I too miss alot of things of my old life, but a new life begins and somehow we start to travel this new road. Its alot to digest and I dont think family and friends realise the extent of this whole thing, physically, mentally and emotionally. Hang in there. Melinda xo
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    9 years ago
    Lmc1310 There is no quick fix. Once you know whats happening you can deal with it .I dont think anyone knows what to say.  I can understand your frustration. Do you have a choice? no .  It not easy being home when before you were working and involved. Sudddenly things change. Welcome to your new life. In time you will return to your old life.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago

    That sucks @Lmc1310  If anything is going to upset your colon, the taxol drugs will do it. I can understand why there is reluctance to put you into that program while there is something else going on. What that something is will be more obvious after the next scan. No point telling you not to worry in the interim.

     As I found out, upset colons during treatment are a real problem that can see you literally starving for months because you can't absorb many of the nutrients you need. Not a good thing for your body or mind. That's without the pain, which it sounds like you have had a taste of.

    Three weeks doesn't sound like a long time, but it is when you are trying to keep your life together. Bless those who think that platitudes are helpful, even though they the surest way to make me think you are simple minded. Right up there on the top of the list is "Stay positive, you're strong, if anyone can beat it, you can." The only response I want to give to that is a display of strength such as giving them a whacking great head butt.